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Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations Supervisor

Salary

$52.74 - $61.06 Hourly

Location

Tacoma, WA

Job Type

Classified

Job Number

5107-24

Department

Environmental Services

Opening Date

06/17/2024

Closing Date

7/8/2024 5:00 PM Pacific

Description

Benefits

Questions

Position Description

Under the direction of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations Assistant Division Manager of the Environmental Services Department, the WWTP Operation Supervisor oversees and coordinates the day-to-day operations of the City's wastewater treatment plants and associated State accredited permit compliance, including laboratory work.

The individual in this role oversees, evaluates, and monitors the work of assigned staff; assigns tasks, provides feedback, coaches, evaluates, trains, and addresses performance issues as necessary. This person sets guidelines and procedures for plant operations on each shift and reviews, edits, and prepares standard operating procedures.

This position works with other Department Divisions to recommend equipment modifications and renovations, and monitors equipment for necessary repair. A key component to this position is contact and communication with Operations staff and various Divisions and Departments that operate in the City, governmental agencies, outside organizations, and the general public to coordinate activities. The person in this position also works with vendors to evaluate and test equipment. Work includes an indoor and outdoor environment and is subject to fumes and odors. Work requires lifting, bending and climbing.

City of Tacoma Recruitment Information:

One of the primary goals of the City of Tacoma Equity and Empowerment Initiative is that the City of Tacoma workforce reflects the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and we welcome candidates with diverse and/or multicultural skill sets and personal experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.

The Principles that Guide Us:

Tacoma, the City of Destiny, has a workforce of dedicated, talented employees with unique skills and perspectives. We embrace innovation and strive for excellence and community engagement. The Principles that Guide Us, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Equity, speak to the values that we embody as City of Tacoma employees, and represent the core of our work in public service.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE:

Is energetic and enthusiastic about wastewater treatment work; someone who can effectively lead a team to achieve excellent results; results essential to decision makers, regulators, and stakeholders; results that meet strict performance criteria and triumph under scrutiny.

We need someone to effectively convey ideas and information orally and in writing using language that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic and the knowledge and understanding of the audience. Someone who will consistently help clients, partners, and coworkers achieve desired outcomes, gaining their trust and respect.

We want a teammate who genuinely embraces our mission, values healthy neighborhoods, a thriving Puget Sound, and the role of sound data to inform decisions.

We need someone who can lead, coach, mentor, and collaborate effectively with others.

We need someone who can make sense of complex, sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.

We need someone who embraces continuous improvement, fosters innovation, ensures accuracy, manages details, and takes initiative.

If this sounds like you, please apply!

Primary Responsibilities:

This position will oversee, direct and coordinate the day to day operations and activities of the City's two wastewater treatment plants to assure efficient operations and compliance with regulatory agency requirements. This position will supervise, evaluate and monitor the work of assigned personnel; assign work; and interview and discipline employees as required. The position will establish guidelines and procedures for plant operations on each shift; and prepare instructions for emergency or unusual situations. The position will train personnel in proper operational methods, practices and procedures including safety related work.

This position will work with other Department Divisions to recommend equipment modifications and renovations and will monitor equipment for necessary repair. This position will prepare work schedules including revising and implementing new schedules as required. A key component to this position is contact and communication with Operations staff and various Divisions and Departments that operate in the City, governmental agencies, outside organizations and agencies, and the general public to coordinate activities, plus providing and receiving information and services related to the work of the Operations Division.

This position will be required to prepare and maintain various charts, records and reports related to daily activities and prepare work orders for maintenance and repairs within the facilities. The Operations Supervisors attend various meetings and are required to operate a variety of tools, machinery and equipment such as computers, pumps, motors, gear drives, electrical switching gears, gauges, automatic devises and chemical dispensing equipment.

City of Tacoma Recruitment Information:

One of the primary goals of the City of Tacoma Equity and Empowerment Initiative is that the City of Tacoma workforce reflects the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and we welcome candidates with diverse and/or multicultural skill sets and personal experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.

Qualifications

An equivalent combination to: graduation from high school, including training or course work in operation of a wastewater treatment plant AND four years of increasingly responsible experience in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant facility, INCLUDING two years as a Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Valid Washington State Driver's License

Washington State Grade 4 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator or certificate

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

Work includes an indoor and outdoor environment and is subject to fumes and odors.

Position requires lifting, bending and climbing.

An employee in this position is exposed to potentially hazardous materials.

Knowledge & Skills

Operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants

Wastewater treatment processes

Chemical and bacteriological sewage characteristics

Methods and procedures of water and sewage sampling and analysis

Record-keeping techniques

Health and safety regulations

Principles and practices of supervision and training

Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures

Technical aspects of field of specialty

Wastewater treatment plant organization, operations, policies and objectives

Oversee, direct and coordinate the day-to-day operation and activities of wastewater treatment plants

Train, supervise and evaluate personnel

Assign and review the work of others

Recommend improved operating methods, process control and procedures

Interpersonal skills; tact, patience, and courtesy

Recognize occupational hazards

Comply with adequate safety precautions

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing

Read, interpret, apply and explain codes, rules, regulations, compliance obligations, policies and procedures

Maintain records and prepare reports

Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others

Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action

Meet schedules and time lines

Work independently with little direction

Plan and organize work load

Operate a variety of tools, machinery and equipment such as pumps, computers, motors, gear drives, electrical switching gears, gauges, automatic devices and chlorine dispensing equipment; operate a motor vehicle

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

Our City:

With a population over 200,000, Tacoma is the second largest city in the Puget Sound region, gracing the shores of Commencement Bay. We are a diverse, progressive, international city that serves as a gateway to the Pacific Rim and the rest of the world. Named one of the most livable areas in the country by Livability.com, Tacoma and the surrounding area is a playground for outdoor and maritime enthusiasts. Our businesses are vibrant, our parks are beautiful, and our schools are exceptional.

When you work for the City of Tacoma, you'll enjoy a healthy work/life balance, the potential for flexible schedules with some job classifications, continuing education programs, leadership pathways, wellness incentives and a total rewards benefits program. We welcome you to take a look at our website and discover how the City of Tacoma can make your next career move part of our combined destiny:

http://www.cityoftacoma.org/

http://www.traveltacoma.com/

The City of Tacoma believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. This job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications and job scope. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Interested individuals must apply online, attach a resume and cover letter that includes job experience, major responsibilities and accomplishments related to this position, and meet the minimum qualifications to progress to participate in the examination process.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their application materials and responses to Supplemental Questions #7-12 reviewed by subject matter experts and scored as the Experience and Training test for this position. Applicants must receive a passing score of 70% or higher to be placed on the eligible list for interview and hiring consideration.

Applicants on the Eligible List whose experience and training most closely reflect the needs of the department may be invited to participate in an interview. Applicants selected for interviews may be required to participate in a work assessment prior to their interviews, and a practical assessment of their skills.

Per City of Tacoma Personnel Management Policy #170, the City of Tacoma is a drug-free work environment. Appointment is subject to passing a background check which will include a pre-employment medical exam and drug screen. This position is covered by a Labor Agreement between the City of Tacoma and Local 17. New employees must successfully complete a nine-month probationary period prior to obtaining permanent status in this classification.

Communication from the City of Tacoma:

We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.

The online application system requires you to enter a substantial amount of information. Be prepared to spend at least an hour entering information. In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.

For assistance with the NEOGOV application process, or questions regarding this job announcement, call the Human Resources office at (253) 591.5400 before 5:00 pm of the closing date of the job announcement.

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

01

The Supplemental Questionnaire is part of the examination process; accordingly, it should be completed carefully. It must be submitted with your application. Responses to supplemental questions must be original content created by the applicant using their own words. The use of online tools or resources to create responses, such as Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT, etc), Google, Bing, etc., or plagiarism in any form, is considered cheating and falsification of the application. Do not indicate "see resume" or copy unrelated content from your resume when answering these questions. Answer all information requested in each question. Failure to do so may result in rejection of your application. I certify that the information provided is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any falsification may cancel any terms, conditions, or privileges of employment.

Yes

No

02

Do you have an equivalent combination to: graduation from high school, including training or course work in operation of a wastewater treatment plant and four years of increasingly responsible experience in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant facility, INCLUDING two years as a Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator.

Yes

No

03

Do you have a valid Driver License?

Yes

No

04

Do you possess a Washington State Grade 4 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate, or the equivalent from another State?

Yes

No

05

What is your Washington State Grade 4 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate number? Please list your out-of-state equivalent certification. If you do not have one, respond with "N/A."

06

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING TEST:

Questions 7-12 are part of the experience and training test that will be used to establish the eligibility list. These questions will be scored by subject matter experts who will not have access to your application materials. You must describe when and where you received your experience and/or training and what work was performed. Your answers must stand on their own merit. Please DO NOT refer to your resume in lieu of answering these questions. Your score on the experience and training test will reflect your responses.

Please indicate "Yes" to show that you have read and understand these instructions.

07

Please describe your education and experience as it relates to this position. Specifically, describe your training and course work in the operations of a wastewater treatment plant.

08

Please describe your knowledge of or experience with managing a wastewater treatment plant with high purity oxygen activated sludge. If you have no experience with high purity oxygen activated sludge please provide information on the type of secondary treatment that you've worked with or in through your career. If you have no training or experience in this area, respond with "N/A."

09

Please describe your knowledge of or experience with dual digestion system for solids treatment. If you have no experience with dual digestion for solids treatment please provide information on the type of solids treatment that you've worked with or in through your career. If you have no training or experience in this area, respond with "N/A."

10

Describe your experience with laboratory procedures including sampling, analysis required for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit compliance. Please include If you have no experience in this area, respond with "N/A."

11

Describe your experience with or knowledge of the accreditation process required for a laboratory to perform work associated with NPDES permit compliance. If you have no knowledge or experience in this area, respond with "N/A."

12

What kinds of experiences have you had implementing changes in the workplace? Describe a specific situation in which you were involved as a leader in a change effort. What was your role, what were your trying to change, and what change/transition skills did you use?

13

Please share with us how you learned about this job opportunity.

City of Tacoma website

Internet search

Union job posting

City of Tacoma job interest card

Word of mouth

From a community organization

From a professional organization

Association of Washington Cities website

Other

14

If you answered "professional organization", "community organization", or "other" to the previous question, please tell us exactly how you learned about this job opportunity. Thank you, your response will help us with future recruitment.

15

If you are a military veteran, did you remember to upload a copy of your DDForm 214, Member 4 copy, for review for Veteran's Preference eligibility?

Yes

No

Required Question

Agency

City of Tacoma

Address

Human Resources Department 747 Market Street Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764

Phone

253-591-5400

Website

http://www.cityoftacoma.org

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